House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search

House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	September 20, 2018 10:49 AM
From:	Representative Bryan Cutler
To:	All House members
Subject:	Prescription Drug Repository

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation encouraging the donation of unused prescription drugs to pharmacies for the purpose of dispensing them to individuals in need. Act 14 of 2008 created the Cancer Drug Repository Program to allow health care facilities, hospitals and physicians' offices to donate unused cancer drugs to pharmacies in an effort to aid low-income cancer patients in getting access to life-saving medications. The current program is voluntary and is overseen by the State Board of Pharmacy. As drug prices continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for some people to adhere to their prescription and even afford their medication at all. Recent examples of this growing problem are the rising costs of insulin and the EpiPen. In response to these significant healthcare concerns, I am introducing legislation to expand upon the existing Cancer Drug Repository Program to allow both health care facilities and individuals to donate prescription drugs (other than cancer drugs) to the program. The program will ensure safety by requiring donated drugs to meet strict criteria before being accepted under the program. Participation in the program will remain voluntary. As of May 2018, there are 38 states that have enacted laws for donation and reuse. Iowa has one of the most successful drug recycling programs. Between 2007 and 2012, the program has reported $5,896,000 worth of unused drugs donated to 26,800 eligible residents. I hope you will join in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you for your interest and support.

---